At the start of America’s battle for independence, Gen. George Washington set our country on a course to be a moral beacon throughout the world. Despite British troops committing atrocities against American soldiers captured in battle, he said of our enemy, “Treat them with humanity, and let them have no reason to complain of our copying the brutal example of the British Army in their treatment of our unfortunate brethren who have fallen into their hands.”

In outlawing torture, Washington demonstrated the righteousness of our fight for liberty, knowing that it would shame the British for how they treated our troops, and help win over prisoners to our cause.